Final exams will be online the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 3, instead of in-person Dec. 7-10 as originally scheduled.

“Students and families should wait for further instructions prior to making travel plans and other arrangements for their return to campus during the first half of the week of August 17,” Poorman’s email said, adding that canceling fall break will decrease the amount of travel done by UP community members, reducing the chance of infection being spread back to the community when classes resume.

Multiple other universities including the University of Notre Dame, UP’s sister school, plan to end their semesters in late November instead of mid-December. Health officials have expressed concerns that the possible resurgence of COVID-19, in combination with the U.S. flu season, could overwhelm the U.S. healthcare system.

Poorman mentioned changes to campus life as students return for the fall semester. These changes will include adhering to social distancing rules, “de-densification” of residence halls, academic buildings and other campus spaces, contact tracing, protective gear such as face masks, and constant cleaning.

Poorman acknowledged that directives from “local, state and federal health authorities” could force continuous re-adjustment of the University’s plans.

“We cannot rule out the need to quickly return to virtual instruction or make further modifications to the academic calendar,” Poorman wrote. The email said that students should expect more details from the University in the coming months.

Gabi DiPaulo is the editor-in-chief for The Beacon. She can be reached at dipaulo21@up.edu.